In today’s digital landscape, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping how news is disseminated and consumed is becoming increasingly prominent. As AI-powered platforms influence how individuals discover and trust information, media leaders like Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, are faced with a significant evolution in the relationship between journalism and the public.

According to Dev Pragad, AI has now become the primary gateway to accessing information, altering the way journalism is surfaced, perceived, and sustained. This shift has far-reaching implications beyond just traffic metrics or platform optimization.

AI Redefining News Distribution

Traditionally, digital journalism relied on referral patterns driven by search engines and social media. However, AI systems now present news directly within their interfaces, potentially overshadowing original sources. While AI tools excel at aggregating information, they cannot replace the editorial judgement and credibility inherent in quality journalism.

Pragad emphasizes that AI can synthesize existing content, but the essence of journalism lies in establishing the truth.

Challenges for Publishers

One of the key challenges for news organizations is the detachment of audience understanding from direct website visits. Readers can consume news summaries without engaging with the reporting institution behind them. Pragad stresses that relying solely on traffic for sustainability is not a viable strategy for publishers.

At Newsweek, the focus has shifted towards revenue diversification, brand authority, and content formats that retain value even when condensed.

Content Resistant to AI Commoditization

Pragad identifies certain forms of journalism that remain resistant to AI commoditization, such as in-depth investigations, expert-led analysis, proprietary research, and editorially-contextualized videos. These formats uphold the credibility and identity of accountable institutions.

Trust as a Foundation

As AI-generated content proliferates, trust emerges as a crucial competitive advantage for journalism. In an era where misinformation abounds and AI-generated text closely resembles verified reporting, establishing trust becomes essential. Pragad underscores that editorial credibility is a cumulative and delicate asset that must be safeguarded.

The Case for Collaboration

Pragad advocates for structured collaboration between publishers and AI technology platforms. Clear attribution standards and fair compensation models are crucial when journalistic work informs AI systems. Journalism forms the bedrock of quality AI outputs, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the two.

Leading Newsweek into the Future

Since assuming leadership at Newsweek, Pragad has overseen the publication’s digital expansion and revenue diversification. Acknowledging the obsolescence of legacy distribution models, Pragad underscores the need to preserve journalism’s societal role amidst industry evolution.

Redefining the Future of Media

Pragad asserts that publishers poised for success in the AI era will prioritize editorial identity and adaptability over sheer scale. Embracing redesign over resistance, he emphasizes the enduring value of journalism in explaining and holding power accountable, irrespective of the delivery interface.